How to return Xiaomi to factory settings: all ways to reset

Resetting a Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings is a radical but effective way to fix performance issues, remove viruses, or prepare the device for sale.The procedure erases all user data, apps, and settings, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state. However, many users face difficulties: they can’t find the right item on the menu, are afraid of losing important files, or do not know which reset method to choose for their model.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from the standard menu to Recovery and Fastboot modes. You will learn how to prepare for the procedure, what errors users most often make, and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands. And for complex cases, we will provide unique solutions for models with a locked bootloader or damaged firmware.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you don’t lose critical data. Even if your Xiaomi is unstable, the chances of recovering files after reset are minimal.

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud. This will save contacts, SMS, Wi-Fi settings and some application data.
• 🖥️ Copy files to the PC through USB-Pay special attention to folders. DCIM (Photo/video, Downloads and WhatsApp/Media.
• 🔐 Remember the accounts associated with the device, and after the reset, you will need to re-enter data from Mi Account, Google and social networks.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process due to discharge can lead to the "bricking" of the device.

If you reset your phone before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Settings → Accounts) and disable Find My Device in Google’s settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) Reset via Recovery can result in Mi Account being blocked.If you forget your password, restore it before resetting it!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if your Xiaomi is turned on and responsive to touch.The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall algorithm is maintained:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action with a password / pattern lock.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the device will restart and suggest that you configure it as new, and if you don't have backup and reset, try an alternative way:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

Battery charge > 50%|Backup created|All accounts are remembered.|Password/pattern lock known-->

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ After a reset, you may need to confirm through your Mi Account, even if the device was not previously tied, as a measure of protection against theft.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery mode. This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro and Mi 11 Lite.

Instructions for devices with physical buttons:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open.
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data item.
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.

For devices with touch buttons (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Nutrition until Vibration Appears.
3. Release the buttons and immediately press Volume up + Volume down at the same time.
4. From the Recovery menu, select English (if you need it), then Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is useful if:

• 🔧 Recovery Menu is damaged or missing.
• 🔒 Device locked in Mi Account after failed reset.
• 📱 You need to reflash the phone from scratch (for example, after a failed update).

This method will require a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader (on new Xiaomi models, the bootloader is blocked by default).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), execute the reset command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For a complete reset with flashing, use:

fastboot flash system system.img


fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase and fastboot flash commands permanently delete data. On models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) These commands will not work without first unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers from the official website.

2. Use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).

3. Connect the phone to the port USB 2.0 (Blue ports on PC are often incompatible with Fastboot).-->

Method 4: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (extreme case)

If standard methods don’t work, and the phone has turned into a “brick” (it doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons), you just have to reflash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 📁 Official firmware for your model (download from en.miui.com).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\rom).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn off the phone and turn it into Fastboot mode (Loud down + Power).
4. Connect the device to a PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, and the serial number should appear.
5. Select a firmware folder and press Flash. It takes 5-10 minutes.

Once flashed, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to configure it as new, a method that guarantees that you will delete all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but you need to be careful:

• ⚠️ Do not interrupt the process (even if the progress bar is 99%).
• ⚠️ Use only official firmware for your model.
• ⚠️ On models with MediaTek (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) an additional auth file may be required to unlock the firmware.

💡

Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool is the only way to bring the brick back to life, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on new accounts).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems when resetting Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Pay special attention to models with the function of Anti-Rollback (Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi K20 Pro). Trying to flash the old version of MIUI on them leads to irreversible locking of the bootloader. Always check the firmware version before installing!

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will offer to go through the initial setup.

• 🌍 Region Select: Enter Russia or Global to avoid Google service issues.
• 🔄 Data recovery: If you have backed up through Mi Cloud, select it at the setup stage.
• 🔒 Security: Install a new pattern lock or PIN-code (do not use simple combinations!).
• 📱 Updates: After setting up, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If you have reset your phone due to viruses, after setting up:

1. Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky).
2. Do not install applications from unverified sources.
3. Disable the installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Install Unknown Applications.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings).

2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.

3. Set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animator Duration on Off. or 0.5x.-->

FAQ: Answers to popular questions